Scotland's Castle Country

Tayside and Grampian are considered Scotland’s “Castle Country,” as there are a staggering number in the area. The main cities in the area are Dundee, Perth, Aberdeen, and Inverness.

 

In her journals Queen Victoria described Balmoral Castle as "my dear paradise in the Highlands." The most famous castle in the region, it was purchased by Queen Victoria’s beloved husband Albert and is situated in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Sir Walter Drummond originally built the home in 1390, and it is considered a private residence of the British royal family, operating as the Queen’s summerhouse. Because of that, only small portions are available for tour, but it is still an interesting and historical place to visit.

 

Also in the Aberdeenshire region, the 17^th century Braemar Castle is regarded as the ancestral home of the Farquharson clan. It is still owned and occupied by them, though it is available for tour.

 

Glamis Castle was the childhood home of Queen Mother, and Princess Margaret was born here, being the first royal princess born in Scotland in three centuries. Records indicate a castle has been on the property since the 11^th century, though the present castle is from the early 15^th century.

 

Other castles in the area include Fyvie Castle, Castle Fraser, Kildrummy Castle, Huntingtower Castle, Drummond Castle, and Blair Castle.